The church is modeled after the 13th Century gothic cathedral in Chartres, France. Construction began in 1927 with the first service held on October 5, 1930. The Nave seats over 2,100 worshipers. The 20-floor tower contains meeting rooms and the 74-bell Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. The Carillon’s 20-ton Bourdon bell is the largest turned bell in the world.
The Riverside Church is 100 feet wide and covers two city blocks. The tower, rising to a height of 392 feet, is the first of its kind to serve a functional purpose, providing 24 floors for the congregation's programs.
The Riverside Church is 100 feet wide and covers two city blocks. The tower, rising to a height of 392 feet, is the first of its kind to serve a functional purpose, providing 24 floors for the congregation's programs.